Latest news with #AnnieMac
Irish Times
7 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Irish Times
DJ Annie Mac is boarding the UK slow-travel movement to save the planet and Ireland should follow suit
DJ Annie Mac is taking the train to Glastonbury this year. The Irish performer, whose real name is Annie Macmanus , joins a group of other artists playing at the Somerset festival who have all pledged to ditch the car in support of a new campaign entitled 'I came by train'. 'The point is to get people just to think a little bit harder about how they are getting places,' said the former BBC Radio1 DJ on her Instagram account last week. 'Can you get the train, can you get an affordable ticket, instead of getting the car, because by doing that, it's 67 per cent less polluting than getting in the car.' READ MORE Supported by the train app Trainline, the 'I came by train' campaign asks people to do their bit for the environment by pledging to switch one car journey to a train journey. Macmanus has joined fellow Glastonbury acts including Self Esteem and Sam Ryder in making the pledge to get there by train. By travelling on the train from London's Paddington station to Castle Cary, the nearest station to Glastonbury, festival-goers will save 12.8kg of carbon dioxide compared to those driving, according to the 'I came by train' carbon calculator. Travel from Holyhead to Castle Cary by train instead of by car and you'll save 31.5kg of carbon dioxide. Taking about six hours and about three changes, that route isn't going to be practical for everyone. But you don't have to be going to Glastonbury to do the right thing. Just swap one car journey to train, any journey at all, the campaign asks. From rising temperatures to water shortages, marine heatwaves to gorse fires and floods, the planet is clearly struggling. We know we need to change how we do things, but it can be hard to know where to start. And if a billionaire can send five celebrities on a space tourism-promoting flight , the emissions from which scientists say will contribute to global-heating and ozone depletion, why, you might ask, should you put yourself out by taking the train? But whataboutery really isn't going to get us anywhere. That's why, despite the gigantic problems, the unchecked corporate greed and the ambivalence of some governments, many people are still trying every day with small acts to do the right thing – from eschewing a disposable coffee cup, to taking a shorter shower, to switching off a light. How we travel has a big impact on carbon emissions and going car-free is the most effective way to reduce your carbon footprint. Almost one-fifth of greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland come from transport. Road transport accounts for nearly 95 per cent of transport emissions and passenger cars account for half of all road transport emissions. Buses and trains have lower carbon emissions per passenger kilometre than cars and can carry more people per trip, thereby saving a large amount of CO2. A typical train from Cork to Dublin, for example, replaces 90 cars on Irish roads and saves 1.6 tonnes of CO2 for every journey, according to Department of Transport figures. There were 215,333 passenger journeys across the Irish rail network in a single day in 2024, according to the National Transport Authority (NTA). Indeed, the numbers travelling by rail here are rising fast, with 38.5 million passenger journeys across the network in 2022 rising to 45.5 million in 2023 and about 51 million last year, according to Iarnród Éireann figures. If some of those train journeys are replacing car journeys, that's saving on emissions. [ What are Ireland's Greenest Places in 2025? Share the places you feel are contributing to a better environment Opens in new window ] [ Bruce Springsteen & E Street Band: Land of Hope & Dreams review – A roiling, righteous anti-Trump onslaught Opens in new window ] However, recent NTA fare increases on some routes feel like a regressive step. In April, the cost of a single cash fare from Greystones to Dublin Connolly rose from €3.90 to €5.10, and a return cash fare from €7.20 to €9.20, for example. Passengers need trains to be more reliable too. Relatively frequent weekend closures on some routes are causing frustration. Of course there are costs and delays with car travel too, and more emissions. If you're going somewhere this summer, you could be like Annie Mac and think a little bit more about how you get there. Whether you're dancing with Charli XCX at Malahide Castle, Billie Eilish at the 3Arena, or Oasis at Croke Park, you'll be doing the planet a favour if you travel by train.
Irish Independent
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Billy Bragg says open letter from music stars defending Kneecap ‘lacks nuance'
The statement, signed by artists including former BBC Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac, Paul Weller and Primal Scream, opposes the politicians calling for the rap trio to be dropped from the Glastonbury Festival line-up. It comes following the emergence of two videos, one from a November 2023 gig that allegedly shows a member of the group saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' The other video, from November 2024, appears to show one member shouting 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah', which are terrorist organisations banned in the UK. Both are being investigated by counter-terrorism officers. In an Instagram post, Bragg, 67, said: 'I'm glad to see that a number of artists have signed a letter defending Kneecap from attempts to remove them from various festival bills in the wake of comments made at shows over two years ago. 'The band have apologised for the hurt they caused to the families of murdered MPs and distanced themselves from Hamas and Hezbollah.' In a statement, Kneecap said it has 'never supported Hamas or Hezbollah' and apologised to the families of Tory MP Sir David Amess and Labour MP Jo Cox. After the footage emerged, a string of cancelled gigs followed, including the band's concert at the Eden Project in Cornwall on July 4. 'Having taken that step, I believe they deserve to be reinstated on those bills that have removed them, and also confirmed as playing at those festivals where they are already scheduled to perform', Bragg said. 'However, I'm not sure I would have felt comfortable signing the letter (I wasn't asked). My problem is that the wording lacks any sense of nuance or understanding of why this whole furore kicked off. 'And in trying to avoid the complexities of this issue by claiming that the politics of an artist's views are irrelevant, the signatories are arguing that the only principle at stake here is free speech. I disagree.' ADVERTISEMENT Bragg went on to say that 'we need to accept that words have consequences' and said we must be careful to not allow 'considered and cogent arguments' to 'be undermined by flippant statements that we later have to apologise for.' He also said the band is being 'punished' for the 'anti-Israel statements they made at Coachella' and added that 'the people calling for Kneecap to be banned are the same people who decry cancel culture whenever anyone of their political persuasion is called to account'. The hip-hop group from Belfast received criticism after their April performances at the American festival, where they projected messages including: 'Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people.' Bragg added: 'Perhaps if they addressed some of the complexities of this situation in an interview, putting their statements and subsequent treatment into context while defending their right to call out genocide, it might clear the air and garner wider support for Kneecap to perform as scheduled this summer. 'What I don't think helps them – or any of us who wish to engage in debate around highly contentious issues – is a blanket demand that artists be allowed to say whatever they want to say, without consequence.' The open letter, signed by dozens of artists, said there is a 'clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately deplatform' Kneecap, while claiming that politicians are 'strategically concocting moral outrage over the stage utterings of a young punk band' while ignoring a 'genocide' in Gaza. On Thursday, the Met Police said they were made 'aware' in April of two lots of footage from November 2023 and November 2024, and the force's Counter Terrorism Command would be investigating. A statement said: 'Both videos were referred to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit for assessment by specialist officers, who have determined there are grounds for further investigation into potential offences linked to both videos.' Kneecap, made up of Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, formed in 2017 and are known for their provocative lyrics and merchandise as well as their championing of the Irish language.
Irish Independent
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
All of the Kneecap gigs that have been cancelled amid UK counter-terrorism police probe
UK politicians are pushing for the group to be dropped from the Glastonbury Festival line-up while artists including Pulp, Paul Weller, DJ Annie Mac, Massive Attack and Primal Scream have defended the band. The footage from November 2023 appears to show one member of the group saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' The group apologised on Monday to the families of murdered MPs but claimed footage of the incident had been 'exploited and weaponised', while they also said they have 'never supported' Hamas or Hezbollah, which are both banned organisations in the UK. Cancelled Kneecap gigs Eden Sessions The Irish rap group were due to perform their first show in Cornwall at the Eden Project on July 4. An Eden Sessions spokesperson said on Tuesday: 'Eden Sessions Limited announced today that the Kneecap show at Eden Project scheduled for July 4 2025 has been cancelled. 'Ticket purchasers will be contacted directly and will be fully refunded. 'The refund process will commence from Wednesday, April 30 2025. Refunds will be processed against the original payment cards used. 'Purchasers should allow six working days for funds to be received into their accounts.' The Eden Sessions are a series of concerts which take place at the Cornwall botanical gardens yearly, with this year's series including performances from Biffy Clyro, The Script and Texas. The Streets frontman Mike Skinner was slated for a DJ set at the Kneecap concert. A reason for the show's cancellation was not given. Plymouth Pavilions After their Cornwall gig was cancelled, Moglai Bap, Mo Chara and DJ Provai announced they would be playing at Plymouth Pavilions on the date they were due to play at the Eden Project. On Thursday, a note on the Plymouth Pavilions website said the concert had been scrapped. 'Having taken advice from relevant authorities and agencies, it has been agreed that Kneecap's performance at our venue will no longer go ahead', it said. 'The safety of our valued visitors is always our primary concern and as such we feel confident in this decision – no further communications will be entered into.' German festivals On April 25 the band announced in a post to X, formerly Twitter, that they would no longer be performing at Hurricane or Southside Festival in Germany. In the post they included links to performances in Cologne, Berlin and Hamburg, taking place in September, and wrote: 'Tickets for our first ever German headline shows are ON SALE NOW with links below.' The ticket websites now say that the event has been 'cancelled'. Where will Kneecap be performing this summer? Following their cancelled performances in Cornwall and Devon, The Depo in Plymouth announced they would be holding Kneecap concerts on July 2, 3 and 4. The band are also supporting Irish rock band Fontaines DC at Boucher Playing Fields, Belfast, in August and said that tickets for the show sold out within half-an-hour after they went on sale on April 25. In the UK and Ireland they are billed to perform at Wide Awake Festival in London on May 23, Fairview Park in Dublin on June 19 and Finsbury Park on July 5. There are also due to play at 2000trees rock festival on July 10, TRNSMT in Scotland on July 11, Wythenshawe Park in Manchester on August 15 and Belfast Vital on August 29. An MP and the Board of Deputies of British Jews have written to Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis urging them to remove the hip hop trio from their slot at the festival on Saturday June 28. Regarding the controversy and subsequent police investigation, festivals in the Netherlands and Czech Republic told the PA news agency that they are 'monitoring the situation'. A spokesperson for Paradiso Festival in Amsterdam said: 'We are following the news around Kneecap and are aware of the investigation currently being conducted by the Counter Terrorism Police. 'We will see what comes out of that investigation. We will then take the investigation results into consideration and decide if it has consequences for the shows at Paradiso.' Rock for People in the Czech Republic said in a statement: 'We understand your concerns. We will monitor the situation and will consider next steps.' Kneecap previously came under fire for their performance at Coachella on April 18 where they displayed messages about the war in Gaza. The PA news agency understands that none of the band's US tour dates for October have been impacted or cancelled while they are in the process of securing a new sponsor for renewed US visas. Kneecap has been contacted for comment.
Powys County Times
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
All of the Kneecap gigs that have been cancelled amid police probe
A handful of Kneecap performances have been cancelled as counter-terrorism police investigate footage that allegedly shows the band calling for the deaths of MPs and shouting 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah'. Politicians are pushing for the group to be dropped from the Glastonbury Festival line-up while artists including Pulp, Paul Weller, DJ Annie Mac, Massive Attack and Primal Scream have defended the band. The footage from November 2023 appears to show one member of the group saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by KNEECAP (@kneecap32) The group apologised on Monday to the families of murdered MPs but claimed footage of the incident had been 'exploited and weaponised', while they also said they have 'never supported' Hamas or Hezbollah, which are both banned organisations in the UK. – Cancelled Kneecap gigs – Eden Sessions The Irish rap group were due to perform their first show in Cornwall at the Eden Project on July 4. An Eden Sessions spokesperson said on Tuesday: 'Eden Sessions Limited announced today that the Kneecap show at Eden Project scheduled for July 4 2025 has been cancelled. 'Ticket purchasers will be contacted directly and will be fully refunded. 'The refund process will commence from Wednesday, April 30 2025. Refunds will be processed against the original payment cards used. 'Purchasers should allow six working days for funds to be received into their accounts.' The Eden Sessions are a series of concerts which take place at the Cornwall botanical gardens yearly, with this year's series including performances from Biffy Clyro, The Script and Texas. The Streets frontman Mike Skinner was slated for a DJ set at the Kneecap concert. A reason for the show's cancellation was not given. – Plymouth Pavilions After their Cornwall gig was cancelled, Moglai Bap, Mo Chara and DJ Provai announced they would be playing at Plymouth Pavilions on the date they were due to play at the Eden Project. On Thursday, a note on the Plymouth Pavilions website said the concert had been scrapped. 'Having taken advice from relevant authorities and agencies, it has been agreed that Kneecap's performance at our venue will no longer go ahead', it said. 'The safety of our valued visitors is always our primary concern and as such we feel confident in this decision – no further communications will be entered into.' – German festivals On April 25 the band announced in a post to X, formerly Twitter, that they would no longer be performing at Hurricane or Southside Festival in Germany. In the post they included links to performances in Cologne, Berlin and Hamburg, taking place in September, and wrote: 'Tickets for our first ever German headline shows are ON SALE NOW with links below.' The ticket websites now say that the event has been 'cancelled'. – Where will Kneecap be performing this summer? Following their cancelled performances in Cornwall and Devon, The Depo in Plymouth announced they would be holding Kneecap concerts on July 2, 3 and 4. The band are also supporting Irish rock band Fontaines DC at Boucher Playing Fields, Belfast, in August and said that tickets for the show sold out within half-an-hour after they went on sale on April 25. In the UK and Ireland they are billed to perform at Wide Awake Festival in London on May 23, Fairview Park in Dublin on June 19 and Finsbury Park on July 5. View this post on Instagram A post shared by KNEECAP (@kneecap32) There are also due to play at 2000trees rock festival on July 10, TRNSMT in Scotland on July 11, Wythenshawe Park in Manchester on August 15 and Belfast Vital on August 29. An MP and the Board of Deputies of British Jews have written to Glastonbury founder Sir Michael Eavis urging them to remove the hip hop trio from their slot at the festival on Saturday June 28. Regarding the controversy and subsequent police investigation, festivals in the Netherlands and Czech Republic told the PA news agency that they are 'monitoring the situation'. A spokesperson for Paradiso Festival in Amsterdam said: 'We are following the news around Kneecap and are aware of the investigation currently being conducted by the Counter Terrorism Police. 'We will see what comes out of that investigation. We will then take the investigation results into consideration and decide if it has consequences for the shows at Paradiso.' Rock for People in the Czech Republic said in a statement: 'We understand your concerns. We will monitor the situation and will consider next steps.' Kneecap previously came under fire for their performance at Coachella on April 18 where they displayed messages about the war in Gaza. The PA news agency understands that none of the band's US tour dates for October have been impacted or cancelled while they are in the process of securing a new sponsor for renewed US visas.
ITV News
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ITV News
All of the Kneecap gigs that have been cancelled amid police probe
A handful of Kneecap performances have been cancelled as counter-terrorism police investigate footage that allegedly shows the band calling for the deaths of MPs and shouting 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah'. Politicians are pushing for the group to be dropped from the Glastonbury Festival line-up while artists including Pulp, Paul Weller, DJ Annie Mac, Massive Attack and Primal Scream have defended the band. The footage from November 2023 appears to show one member of the group saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' The group apologised on Monday to the families of murdered MPs but claimed footage of the incident had been 'exploited and weaponised', while they also said they have 'never supported' Hamas or Hezbollah, which are both banned organisations in the UK. – Cancelled Kneecap gigs – Eden Sessions The Irish rap group were due to perform their first show in Cornwall at the Eden Project on July 4. An Eden Sessions spokesperson said on Tuesday: 'Eden Sessions Limited announced today that the Kneecap show at Eden Project scheduled for July 4 2025 has been cancelled. 'Ticket purchasers will be contacted directly and will be fully refunded. 'The refund process will commence from Wednesday, April 30 2025. Refunds will be processed against the original payment cards used. 'Purchasers should allow six working days for funds to be received into their accounts.' The Eden Sessions are a series of concerts which take place at the Cornwall botanical gardens yearly, with this year's series including performances from Biffy Clyro, The Script and Texas. The Streets frontman Mike Skinner was slated for a DJ set at the Kneecap concert. A reason for the show's cancellation was not given. – Plymouth Pavilions After their Cornwall gig was cancelled, Moglai Bap, Mo Chara and DJ Provai announced they would be playing at Plymouth Pavilions on the date they were due to play at the Eden Project. On Thursday, a note on the Plymouth Pavilions website said the concert had been scrapped. 'Having taken advice from relevant authorities and agencies, it has been agreed that Kneecap's performance at our venue will no longer go ahead', it said. 'The safety of our valued visitors is always our primary concern and as such we feel confident in this decision – no further communications will be entered into.' – German festivals On April 25 the band announced in a post to X, formerly Twitter, that they would no longer be performing at Hurricane or Southside Festival in Germany. In the post they included links to performances in Cologne, Berlin and Hamburg, taking place in September, and wrote: 'Tickets for our first ever German headline shows are ON SALE NOW with links below.' The ticket websites now say that the event has been 'cancelled'. – Where will Kneecap be performing this summer? Following their cancelled performances in Cornwall and Devon, The Depo in Plymouth announced they would be holding Kneecap concerts on July 2, 3 and 4. The band are also supporting Irish rock band Fontaines DC at Boucher Playing Fields, Belfast, in August and said that tickets for the show sold out within half-an-hour after they went on sale on April 25. In the UK and Ireland they are billed to perform at Wide Awake Festival in London on May 23, Fairview Park in Dublin on June 19 and Finsbury Park on July 5. There are also due to play at 2000trees rock festival on July 10, TRNSMT in Scotland on July 11, Wythenshawe Park in Manchester on August 15 and Belfast Vital on August 29. An MP and the Board of Deputies of British Jews have written to Glastonbury founder Sir Michael Eavis urging them to remove the hip hop trio from their slot at the festival on Saturday June 28. Regarding the controversy and subsequent police investigation, festivals in the Netherlands and Czech Republic told the PA news agency that they are 'monitoring the situation'. A spokesperson for Paradiso Festival in Amsterdam said: 'We are following the news around Kneecap and are aware of the investigation currently being conducted by the Counter Terrorism Police. 'We will see what comes out of that investigation. We will then take the investigation results into consideration and decide if it has consequences for the shows at Paradiso.' Rock for People in the Czech Republic said in a statement: 'We understand your concerns. We will monitor the situation and will consider next steps.' Kneecap previously came under fire for their performance at Coachella on April 18 where they displayed messages about the war in Gaza. The PA news agency understands that none of the band's US tour dates for October have been impacted or cancelled while they are in the process of securing a new sponsor for renewed US visas.
